Dear Readers in Christ, "Draw near to GOD, and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8).

Friday, 13 December 2013

Dec 13 - CONTEND FOR THE FAITH

“By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones”(Heb 11:22).

Faith gives us hope even in death. Joseph knew that one day God would visit His people and that his bones would not remain in Egypt (this world), but would be carried to Canaan (heaven). This is a type of the hope of the Rapture.

Joseph (by faith) ‘gave commandment’, not ‘requested’. Even while dying, faith gives one a divine commanding authority and power.

“By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel.” This shows that, while dying, Joseph had a blessed hope before him of the departing of the children of Israel. Joseph’s bones stand for the doctrines of Christ. As bones are the solid part of the human body, true doctrines are the solid part of the Body of Christ, the Church. Jude says we should contend for the faith (doctrines) revealed ‘once and for all’ to the saints of God (Jude vs3 – Orig). Joseph giving commandment concerning his bones shows that even while dying, true saints should be strong and contend for the faith or doctrinal truths revealed to them.